Located a mere 30 miles from the tranquillity of Beanacre Barn, Bath is a city brimming with history, beauty, and charm.
Celebrated for its splendid honey-coloured Georgian architecture straight from a Jane Austen novel; highlights include the iconic Royal Crescent and the majestic Circus. The stunning Roman Baths are of course a particular highlight, offering a glimpse into the city’s amazing past. Also in the city centre you will find the magnificent Bath Abbey, the quaint Pulteney Bridge, adorned with shops, and views of the River Avon.
Down the centuries Bath has been a leading ‘wellbeing’ destination, famed for its therapeutic waters. Today, the modern Thermae Bath Spa offers a unique rooftop pool with stunning cityscapes.

For those staying at Beanacre Barn, a visit to Bath is a must!

For more information please follow this link – BATH

The Monmouth Rebellion took place in 1685, a turbulent time marked by religious and political unrest. This historic uprising, also known as the Pitchfork Rebellion due to the rudimentary tools used by the rebels, was a significant event in English history, and the Battle of Sedgemoor, on the Somerset Levels nearby, was the last major battle on English soil.

The main causes stemmed from the discontent following the ascension of James II to the throne of England. Many feared his Catholic faith and absolute monarchy tendencies. His half-brother, James Scott, the Duke of Monmouth, was a charismatic Protestant leader who emerged as a symbol of hope for those opposed to the king. Driven by ambition and the support of those seeking a Protestant monarchy, Monmouth, having been in exile in Holland, landed at Lyme Regis, Dorset, and gathered a makeshift army as he advanced into Somerset, where he had widespread popular support, planning to take control of the area and march on London.

Despite the initial enthusiasm and support, the Monmouth Rebellion faced insurmountable challenges. The rebels were poorly equipped and lacked proper military training, struggling against the well-prepared royalist forces. The turning point came at the Battle of Sedgemoor, fought on the 6th of July, 1685, in the heart of Somerset, near Westonzoyland. Monmouth’s forces were decisively defeated by the King’s army, sealing the fate of the rebellion.

In the aftermath, Monmouth was captured and executed. The courts, famously known as the Bloody Assizes, led by Judge Jeffreys, handed down harsh punishments for the rebels. Of those accused many were sentenced to death and many more were punished with transportation to the West Indies. The harshness of the sentences caused national revulsion and contributed, to the overthrow of James II and his replacement by William and Mary in the Glorious Revolution of 1688.
(For further reading click HERE)

Why not treat yourself to a break?
Stay in Beanacre Barn, our beautiful holiday cottage, and visit the many fascinating historic and mythological sites in this area, including the site of the Battle of Sedgemoor.  

Glastonbury Tor is a striking natural landmark that rises from the Somerset Levels above the town of Glastonbury, a few miles from the small cathedral city of Wells and our holiday cottage, Beanacre Barn.

The Tor’s iconic silhouette is crowned by the ancient tower of St Michael’s Church. This natural hill, steeped in layers of rich ancient history and legend, draws thousands of visitors each year. As early as the Iron Age, settlers inhabited its slopes, and over the centuries, it has become entwined with tales of King Arthur and his mystical Isle of Avalon. The Tor’s historic significance is matched only by its spiritual allure, attracting those in search of solace and inspiration.

Visitors to Glastonbury Tor can enjoy wonderful panoramic views that stretch far across the countryside, making every step of the climb a rewarding experience. Whether you’re drawn by the site’s historical roots or its scenic beauty, your visit promises to leave lasting impressions, enriching your stay in Somerset.

Today, Glastonbury Tor remains an emblematic part of the Somerset landscape and Beanacre Barn, only 15 minutes drive away, offers an ideal base for exploring the mystical Tor and its fascinating surroundings.

Somerset Open Studios returns! It’s the opportunity for SAW Artist Members to open their studio doors to allow a glimpse into often-private spaces and workshops, alongside pop up venues, where audiences can meet the artist, see work in progress and visit the creative source.

Somerset Art Weeks alternates each autumn between Open Studios and Exhibitions + Events. After the return of the Art Weeks, Somerset Open Studios 2025 will feature artist studios, workshops and activities, including Family Friendly Weekends.

This is now the largest visual arts event in the county, investing in the arts community and enriching lives.

The eclectic mix of artists ensures that the festival will be not only visually exciting but also stimulating for the visitor. Whatever your taste or view on art is, the diversity of art forms and artists guarantees that there is something for everyone.

 

 

 

 

 

Visit Somerset Artist’s Open Studios !

Why not take a break, stay in the outstanding holiday cottage that is the Beanacre Barn?

Treat yourself to a day or three to experience this superb art event in Somerset.

Somerset is home to an amazingly wide selection of festivals. These range across art, media, literature, live comedy, food and film. The magnificent historic city of Wells is host to a number of these. I particularly want to draw your attention to two outstanding autumn festivals; the Wells Food Festival and the Wells Festival of Literature

Wells Food Festival – Sunday 12th October 2025

On Sunday 12 October 2025, Wells is set to be the centre of all things foodie again! The eleventh annual Food Festival will celebrate the best of Somerset’s wonderful local produce from over 150 of the area’s best artisan producers. The Festival is billed as “a celebration of Somerset’s rich culinary heritage” and “one of the prettiest food festivals in England”. It is is free to enter. Graze your way round the Artisan Producers Stalls which extend from the Market Square, along the Bishop’s Palace Moat and into the Recreation Ground.

Beanacre Barn – your perfect base for Autumn Festivals in Wells.
So, take a break in Somerset for a few days, stay in the beautiful Beanacre Barn and take in the Food Festival on Sunday 12th of October 2025.

Go to the Food Festival website for more details

Wells Festival of Literature  17 – 25 October 2025

Wells Festival of Literature was set up in 1992. It aims to promote the enjoyment of books and to encourage a love of the written word. The Festival brings to Wells a wide range of international, national and local writers to entertain, challenge, inspire and inform audiences of all ages and tastes. The Festival  is funded by ticket sales, competition entries and generous local sponsors.

Find all the details at the Festival of Literature website 

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Beanacre Barn – your perfect base for Autumn Festivals in Wells
The Beanacre Barn is only 5 miles from Wells so it is the perfect base from which to explore the wonderful city of Wells, other fascinating Somerset towns and beautiful countryside. It is ideally located for your visits to these great Festivals in Wells!

A visit to Wells during your holiday in the Beanacre Barn should be at the top of your list!

The cathedral city of Wells, England’s smallest city is a historical gem! With a population at the last count of just over 10,000, Wells is the smallest city in England.

Roman & Medieval City

The city was a Roman settlement and was later the site of a minster church founded by the Anglo-Saxon King Ine in 704. In 909, it became the seat of the bishopric of Bath and Wells in1245. The present Cathedral was built in early 13th century. Wells was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Welle.

Wells Cathedral

Standing on the vast open Cathedral Green you cannot help but marvel at the architecture. The grand front with all the carved stone figures and arches is impressive but a walk around within its walls is a quite stunning experience! Don’t miss the 14th century clock which gives its best performance on the hour!

Wells is named after the three wells dedicated to St Andrew, one in the market place and two within the grounds of the Bishop’s Palace and Cathedral.

English Civil War

During the English Civil War (1642–1651), the city was surrounded by Parliamentarian guns on all sides. The Royalists evacuated the city and Parliamentarian troops then used the cathedral to stable their horses. They damaged much of the ornate sculpture by using it for firing practice!

During the Monmouth Rebellion (1685) the rebel army attacked the cathedral in an outburst against the established church. Lead from the roof was used to make bullets, windows were broken. Wells was the final location of the Bloody Assizes on 23 September 1685. In only one day, over 500 men were tried and the majority sentenced to death.

Wells today

The Wells Market Place, with lively markets twice a week, the narrow streets and an eclectic mix of building styles all reflect the continuing development of the town throughout the ages. Wells remains remarkably unspoilt offering a wide selection of independant shops, pubs, and restaurants as well as a concert hall, cinema and a good local museum. It is the venue for a number of events such as the annual Literature Festival and the Food Festival in October celebrating the wide range of wonderful local Somerset produce and products.
A visit to Wells during your holiday in the Beanacre Barn is a ‘must’!